A US degree that builds on the career you already have

How a US degree is built

A US degree is a collection of credits. Every course carries a set number, and you graduate once you’ve earned enough in the right areas.

Some universities count in quarter credits, so the numbers look larger while the amount of study is similar. A bachelor’s also pairs your major with general education courses across several subjects, which is often where exam credit fits best.

Accreditation comes first

US universities are reviewed by institutional accreditors, independent bodies that assess a whole institution against published standards. Look for an accreditor recognised by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Both keep searchable databases, and our accreditor checker tells you in seconds what kind of body a name belongs to.

You’ll often see names such as HLC, MSCHE, NECHE, SACSCOC and WSCUC. Many people still call them “regional” accreditors, from the days when each one covered a particular part of the country.

Prior learning assessment: three ways to earn credit

US colleges call it prior learning assessment (PLA) or credit for prior learning. Universities built for adult learners often offer all three routes.

Portfolio assessment

You document what you’ve learned at work against the outcomes of a specific course, and a faculty assessor reviews your evidence. An experienced project manager, for example, might seek credit for an introductory project management course.

Standardised exams

Exams such as CLEP and DSST test subject knowledge at college level. Many colleges award credit for a passing score, often toward general education requirements.

ACE credit recommendations

The American Council on Education reviews workplace training and military courses and recommends how much college credit each is worth. For many service members, these recommendations appear on the Joint Services Transcript.

Each college chooses which routes it accepts, and many ask you to complete a minimum number of credits with them, known as a residency requirement. Your free review shows how every program on your shortlist handles PLA.

Online study and start dates

Online study for working adults is well established in the US. Many online programs run in shorter terms, often around eight weeks, so you can take one or two courses at a time alongside your job. Many universities have several intakes a year, so you rarely wait long to begin.

Why professionals worldwide look to the US

• Choice: thousands of accredited institutions, from research universities to schools built for adult learners.
• Flexibility: credit from exams, training and earlier study can come together in one degree.
• Recognition: the MBA began in the US, and American degree titles are familiar to employers everywhere.

Accredited universities on our list

Every US university below holds institutional accreditation from a recognised accreditor. Names appear for information, and each university makes its own admission decisions.

Where Official.degree comes in

• A free review of your experience, with a reply within 1 business day
• A shortlist of accredited programs whose PLA rules suit your background
• Help building your portfolio and gathering transcripts and training records
• Up to five managed applications, plus support through enrolment

The service fee is US$590 for an associate or bachelor’s degree, US$690 for a master’s and US$790 for a doctorate. Choosing the US adds a US$590 destination fee; let us pick the best-fit country and it’s included. The service fee is refunded in full if we can’t place you. Compare all fees.